Advantages of a Center Cockpit?

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

With a center, you probably get a laxerette...

I always feel much better after taking one of those...

Matt

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by GILow

I think one of the key qualifiers should be that there are two different types of CC boat that I have seen.

In ours, you get to the aft cabin via a passageway below decks, but I know of a couple where the aft cabin is accessed directly from the cockpit. For instance, I saw a Ted Brewer design of the latter arrangement, and I have to say, just from looking, it seemed rather nice and I was a touch envious.

The passageway on our boat is kind of dead space, yes, there is some storage capability, but it just does not feel like an efficient use of the space. So that's a good 8 or 10 feet that might have been used in a better way with the aft cabin accessed from the cockpit. On the opposite side to the passageway on our boat, for instance, is the best below decks cabin on the boat, and the one everyone fights for. (Except me, I like the deckhouse.)

Counter to this, the couple on the Ted Brewer design said they did not use the aft cabin much, but I cannot remember why this was and whether or not it had anything to do with the access from the cockpit.

Matt

Yes, and we might even say 3 types. There seems to be a type that is a bit more aft of CC.... sometimes with the back of the cockpit more open and less surrounded, but still raised and having an aft cabin.
Pelagic's boat may be like that... I'm not sure...

[Pelagic]

I guess you could call my cockpit position as "semi aft" as it does have a large working area behind the cockpit.

Great for setting up dive gear

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

I am with Ann on this personal choice... I also like AC when Med docking as you can better see and help with the stern tie.

One of my favorite features of my layout is a "walk in" aft cockpit

It keeps the crew's feet on deck when moving about in a seaway

Is that a Tartan Tok?

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by KeepInTune

Searching for my new (used) cruiser, I was hoping to get some quick thoughts and opinions on the advantages of a Center-Cockpit monohull. I've only sailed aft-cockpit, but I'm intrigued on the difference.

For context, consideration of the following:

• Typical coastal cruising / island hopping (i.e. SW-FL, Keys, etc..) with an eventual seasonal hop down to BVI
• Typically weekend use and 7-day use (i.e. not a full time live-aboard)
• Around the 38-42 ft length

My questions are around a center-cockpit design:

• Ease of single-handling vs Aft-Cockpit?
• Any safety advantages or disadvantages?
• Smaller cockpit, yes..but...what do you like/dislike about that?
• Advantages or disadvantages with cabin space/layout?
• Any specific models jump out in the 38-42ft range that you like?

I'm quite happy with my CC....
Zero probs running a watch singlehanded, a bit closer to the mast and the pointy end, not quite so convenient getting aft to adjust the Windvane... working on that issue.
Safety issues? None that I can think off..
Smaller cockpit? well mine is as large if not larger than most ACs, esp canoe stern boats. Two 6 foot side benches to stretch out on..
Cabin space? A nice dedicated aft cabin that is not used as something else during the day. A good usable walkthrough to port giving good access to the engine while also providing a good sea berth and above that a dry and secure location for my radio station. To stbd is the 'garden shed'.. access to the other side of the engine and brilliant stowage for just about everything.
Specific models? Mine is a 28 yo 39' Westerly Sealord ( both mine and another Sealord are shown in the pics) ... younger Oceanlords may be a better choice...essentially the same boat, bigger aft cabin, nicer fitout, younger.

Well designed she is not 'wedding caked' ... ( see pics)
The aft deck allows good stowage of the dinghy etc (first pic)
And that little bit of separation from the ocean means that FBWs don't unsettle one quite as much as they otherwise would...(refer last pic)

[El Pinguino]

And also.... the Captain's dunny is down the back.... so if - when entertaining in port - a guest is caught short by one of my #5 Vindaloos they don't have to take a dump right next to the saloon ( as Des Sleightholme once said.... 'anybody who thinks a sheet of 8mm plywood gives the slightest privacy they are sadly mistaken') .

However there is also a frd head so when I am having a kip the crew don't have to come down the back and disturb my slumber...

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by El Pinguino

And also.... the Captain's dunny is down the back.... so if - when entertaining in port - a guest is caught short by one of my #5 Vindaloos they don't have to take a dump right next to the saloon ( as Des Sleightholme once said.... 'anybody who thinks a sheet of 8mm plywood gives the slightest privacy they are sadly mistaken') .

However there is also a frd head so when I am having a kip the crew don't have to come down the back and disturb my slumber...

The wisdom of the old saying:

"Two heads are better than one."

[19 and counting]

We are in love with out Formosa Peterson 46. It has a very low profile CC and very little teak. You can access the back cabin from the cockpit or a low passageway from the main salon. The engine access is excellent from the one side of the passageway, opposite that is a long bunk not used that way but rather a place to put the folding seats we use instead of cushions on deck, so they are never out in the weather when we aren't using them. Also leaves a great space for our icemaker, extra lifejackets, toolbox, etc. We put down indoor outdoor carpet to keep vibration down for the hard bottomed items. Five step ladder to the salon from the cockpit, lots of headroom (husband is 6'3") It is a sleek design for a CC and we have lived aboard and traveled on an Islander 40 Motorsailor which was really a great boat but had the pirate looks going around the windows to the aft cabin where the bed was. Too much frill for us.
Another thing I really love about this arrangement is that a tarp over the boom shades the entire cockpit (or keeps it dry in the rain) and it also covers the opening to the aft cabin. We have a beautifully designed dodger that came with the boat and extends to cover a person sitting on either side of the cockpit. We just sold a Defever 43 and I really missed sitting outside (or stretching out) on the cockpit seats, you feel so secure. On the power boat you are either on top which is a great ride except when it's rough, or on deck with folding chairs, not advisable on a passage as they don't stay put. So you are pretty much stuck inside on top of the engines on passages. The Formosa is a cutter rig boat. I did not like the Islander because I could not keep track of everyone on board by visuals and with this boat it's pretty easy. Got used to the bending over to get to the aft cabin and it doesn't even matter anymore. One thought on centerline beds like we had on the Defever, in rough anchorages you can fall out of bed! The Formosa has builtins so you still have to get in the aft cabin bed as though it were a V-berth but the bed is spacious and I know I won't fall out of it. One passage on the Islander, which had an aft cabin off to one side queen size bed I actually got bounced out of the bed onto the floor. I really feel better with sides to the bed. We keep the v-berth for guests and grandchildren to play in. Every boat is a concession.
At 62 I thought our sailing days were over but I found I could still climb ladders and crouch down and move about without a second thought, which I think keeps you young and flexible. Head room is ultimately important if you are tall. So is a long enough bed! Salon is very family friendly with enough seating for about 10. Heads are very simple but practical (no separate shower stalls to clean) All teak interior except formica on the insides of the heads practical because they double as showers. All opening ports and 3 overhead hatches keep it light inside. Great tight u shaped galley.
Storage for more than everything you need. This is boat number 19, my only complaint is please dear change out that old shaky engine. It's in great vintage shape and no blow by but the vibration without a load on it will shake your teeth to the roots.
It's noisy as hell. We are shopping for a nice more modern used engine, no hurry, just waiting for a deal. Then I think it will be perfect! My husband is very handy and will do the install himself. But til then the old one runs perfectly and makes it's presence well known, personality. Our dual engines on the power boat were first a smoky mess named Cheech and Chong, changed them over to Bert and Ernie who didn't smoke. LOL

[Cheechako]

Curious... did you strip all the teak off your Formosa/Peterson?

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

The wisdom of the old saying:

"Two heads are better than one."

The old saying was wise only because it was not referring to 2 heads on a small boat. Unless its owners are incontinent, 2 heads on a 40' cruising sailboat just doesn't make much sense. That real estate is simply too valuable for other needs.

[19 and counting]

No it only comes with a small adornment of teak on the tops of the bullwarks and sliding teak hatches on the companionways. Plus alongside the tops of the cockpit seats are long planks of teak wide enough to comfortably sit on. That is it. It is very easy to maintain. Ports are stainless, hatches aluminum. Louvered doors for airflow to companionways. By the way your comments are always very informative and show you have a lot of true boating experience so I love to read them!

[mgb40]

Originally Posted by KeepInTune

Searching for my new (used) cruiser, I was hoping to get some quick thoughts and opinions on the advantages of a Center-Cockpit monohull. I've only sailed aft-cockpit, but I'm intrigued on the difference.

For context, consideration of the following:

• Typical coastal cruising / island hopping (i.e. SW-FL, Keys, etc..) with an eventual seasonal hop down to BVI
• Typically weekend use and 7-day use (i.e. not a full time live-aboard)
• Around the 38-42 ft length

My questions are around a center-cockpit design:

• Ease of single-handling vs Aft-Cockpit?
• Any safety advantages or disadvantages?
• Smaller cockpit, yes..but...what do you like/dislike about that?
• Advantages or disadvantages with cabin space/layout? more spacious
• Any specific models jump out in the 38-42ft range that you like? sea

I find the center cockpit very easy to handle with a 360 degree vision.
Smaller cockpit but more room with AFT cabin. Personally I have a Hughes Spice Island 40 and I love it very steady in rough sea.

[barnakiel]

I like center cockpit on bigger boats. I like better visibility and better protection when running before the wind. I also like some aft cabins that otherwise would not be possible with aft cockpit.

b.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by 19 and counting

No it only comes with a small adornment of teak on the tops of the bullwarks and sliding teak hatches on the companionways. Plus alongside the tops of the cockpit seats are long planks of teak wide enough to comfortably sit on. That is it. It is very easy to maintain. Ports are stainless, hatches aluminum. Louvered doors for airflow to companionways. By the way your comments are always very informative and show you have a lot of true boating experience so I love to read them!

Ahh I see. I looked at one once, man it was pretty neglected and covered with teak everywhere like my Hans Christian 38 was. It was all grey, bad caulking and coming loose in spots. Maybe it was an early version.

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

The old saying was wise only because it was not referring to 2 heads on a small boat. Unless its owners are incontinent, 2 heads on a 40' cruising sailboat just doesn't make much sense. That real estate is simply too valuable for other needs.

90% of the time the frd head is used as a wet locker, stowage for extra engine oil,bidones of extra FW, cleaning stuff kept in the locker, etc etc...certainly not wasted space. Previous owners kept dive gear in there.